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Photo by Scott Audette. |
The VooDoo return to the Graveyard for the first time since April 19, 2013, while the newly named Smoothie King Center was under renovation. New Orleans hopes to duplicate the success it had in last year’s home opener, a 51-45 overtime win over the Orlando Predators in Week 1.
New Orleans and Cleveland last met on June 1, 2013 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as the VooDoo beat the Gladiators 69-40. The VooDoo are 4-0 all-time over Cleveland, but Coach Pat O’Hara says Cleveland won’t be easy.
“Cleveland is a much improved team from last year,” said O’Hara. “They beat Pittsburgh in Week 1, and their quarterback is playing at a high level. They’re playing well defensively and shut down Pittsburgh in the second half.”
New Orleans is coming off a bye week after a 62-57 loss in the season opener to the Tampa Bay Storm. Quarterback Kurt Rocco led the way for the VooDoo going 17-for-33 for 251 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran for a score. Rocco was injured later in the game and former LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux filled in the rest of the way. Perrilloux went 12-for-17 for 109 yards with a touchdown. He also rushed for two scores. L.J. Castile led the receivers with 10 receptions for 169 yards and four touchdowns.
But in addition playing solid on offense, O’Hara pointed to a few obstacles the team needs to address for a victory this weekend.
“We have to eliminate mistakes and turnovers,” said O’Hara. “We also need to stay healthy. We had a few injuries in the first game, and we need to overcome that.”
Cleveland is coming off a 63-53 win over the Pittsburgh Power. The VooDoo aim to contain Gladiators quarterback Chris Dieker, who was sensational in the win. Dieker posted solid passing numbers, going 24-for-36 for 251 yards and five touchdowns. He also got plenty of work done with his legs as he rushed for five touchdowns, earning him Week 1 MVP honors.
New Orleans also looks to build on its solid defensive performance from Week 1. Defensive back Eddie Moten grabbed two interceptions, which he returned for 58 total yards. Linebacker Mike Alston also forced a pair of sacks, while defensive lineman Xavier Brown also recorded a sack.
Kickoff for Saturday night’s game is set for 7 p.m. local time at the Smoothie King Center, a place where O’Hara said he and the team are glad to be back, calling it the team’s true home.